Identifying ignition system

[natwales]

I have a 1988 mcm 5.7 merc with alpha 1. I have read about the different types of ingition systems used and am unsure which I have. I believe it is a thunderbolt ingnition, but really am not sure. Is there a quick way to id this by looking at my distributor cap or anything else?<br /><br />If I do have a thunderbolt ignition, what do I need to do for a tune up? My understanding is that the thunderbolt ignition doesn't have points that need adjustment.

 

[mkast]

Re: Identifying ignition system

Take the cap off, you'll have to inspect the cap anyway, and look if there are points inside.

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Identifying ignition system

You will have a black ignition amplifier bolted to your exhaust riser ....JK

 

[Bondo]

Re: Identifying ignition system

Ayuh,....... You have a T-Bolt IV system.....<br /><br />I forget when they switched from the Big Boxes to the Little Bitty Boxes.............<br /><br />By JK's post,.. it must be After 88..........<br /><br />The Little 1s bolt right to the Dist......<br /><br />Either Way,... A "Tune-Up" consists of Plugs, Cap,+ Rotor....... Wires if Nessessary.......

 

[Don S]

Re: Identifying ignition system

Here is a link to a Merc service bulletin of a lot of the old (including the Thunderbolt) distributors.<br /><br /> http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Bullet/81/81_18.pdf <br /><br />Here's a picture of a Thunderbolt distributor..<br />4 screws hold the cap on.<br /><br />